Job Description

Refrigeration Specialist

New Ulm Plant

Benefits & Compensation Overview:

• Medical.
• Dental.
• Vision.
• Additional perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), access to shop at the Company Store.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
• Refrigeration Specialist positions begin at $36.48 per hour.
• Non-Union (FOIP) Field Operations Incentive Plant.

Work Schedule:

Weekly Rotating Shifts for Production Employees, Monday through Friday. Shift start time depends on the department, but weekly rotations begin on 3rd, 2nd, and then 1st shift.

Plant & Community Overview:

Plant Overview:

• The Kraft Heinz Plant in New Ulm has been a workplace of choice in the community since its opening in 1955. Current products include Velveeta, Velveeta Mini-Block, Kraft Deli-Deluxe, and Foodservice for popular restaurant chains.
• 400 Hourly Employees.
• 23 Salaried Employees.
• Average tenured employee is 12 years of service.
• Over 125 employees have more than 20 years of service.
• There is over 5,000 years of experience in the New Ulm Plant!

Community Overview:

Welcome to our New Ulm Community!

Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Sr. Maintenance Supervisor, the Refrigeration Specialist is responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation, maintenance and monitoring of the sliced cheese and plant coolers ammonia refrigeration, plant vacuum, compressed air, process steam, steam plant heating, steam condensate, hot/cold water, Kathabars, HVAC, fire protection and chill water systems. Must have a critical awareness of operating parameters and perform sensitive adjustments of complex controls on equipment, for varying operating characteristics. Must have a complete understanding of all machinery including operating adjustments, maintenance and troubleshooting.

The daily operation is moderately varied and involves mastery, skill, art and judgment which can be achieved only after years of exposure to the job. This person must be familiar with all basic hand and power tools and have a current fork truck operator’s license. Will require the use of emergency, respiratory, PPE which requires passing of yearly medical physical and attend HAZWOPER training course.

Is a primary member of the Emergency Response Team and must be knowledgeable of all emergency response procedures, especially action regarding ammonia releases to the environment and isolation/containment thereof and is subject to call in at any time including weekends and holidays. The job expectations are to work from brief verbal as well as moderately complex written instructions with minimal supervision and without close observation. Performing all functions while complying to and implementing the requirements of the OSHA Process Safety Management program is paramount.

Needs to have a basic understanding of chemical treatment usage, reasoning and formulation requiring the use of decimals and fractions in math. Computer usage and knowledge is necessary for the tracking and operation of the systems operated. This person must be able to work toward obtaining a MN 1st Class B License. Uses communication skills to coordinate jobs and train other mechanics, technicians and boiler engineers. Responsible for aiding in the installation of project related equipment as directed by Maintenance Supervisors and Project Engineers.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Operates monitors and maintains the ammonia refrigeration system, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, accumulators, chill water system, vessels and computerized control system.
• Operates monitors and maintains the sliced cheese refrigeration system including starting and stopping for production needs, chill roll washing, seals, ammonia pumps and surge drums.
• Operates monitors and maintains processing chill water systems.
• Operates monitors and maintains the sliced cheese room’s Kathabar systems including filter changes, chemical integrity and the ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Operates monitors and maintains the ammonia refrigeration system for processing vessels.
• Operates monitors and maintains the plant’s HVAC systems including unit air conditioners, ventilation units, exhaust fans, heating and air conditioning package units, and computerized control system.
• Monitors and maintains the CFC cooler and freezer units.
• Operates and maintains the compressed air system including compressors, accumulators, dryers, heat exchanger, filters and distribution system.
• Operates and maintains the plant vacuum system including pumps, filters and distribution system.
• Maintains the hot, cold and soft water systems including heaters, conditioners and distribution system.
• Operates monitors and maintains the fire protection systems including automatic sprinklers, pumps, hydrants and fire extinguishers.
• Operates the steam generating boilers as necessary relief of the Boiler Operators and helps maintain the steam distribution system.
• Monitors and maintains the emergency services of eyewash/shower stations, gas masks, SCBAs and other PPE.
• Involved and operates all functions of the ammonia refrigeration systems following all guidelines of the OSHA Process Safety Management program. Will perform all special tasks of the PSM program as directed.
• Involved active member of emergency response team including training, drills, equipment readiness, system knowledge and passing of medical physical.
• Effects emergency repairs on plant equipment using full personal protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus with regard to extremely hazardous ammonia systems and removal of asbestos containing materials.
• Writes work requests as needed, plans and schedules own and other appropriate work, organizes and maintains up-to-date parts and service manuals, orders parts, chemical supplies and filter media.
• Attends training and performs all other duties as directed.
• Assists in keeping the entire Powerhouse area and equipment clean and in spruced condition by painting as becomes necessary.
• Assists in keeping areas and equipment within the job responsibilities clean and in spruced condition by painting as becomes necessary.
• Keeps tools and equipment free of grease, oils and dirt. Accordingly, is responsible for sanitizing tools and parts used in the repair of chill rolls and other sensitive equipment.
• After performing maintenance, whether an emergency repair or routine P.M. is responsible for returning the equipment to a sanitized, production ready state.
• Must have complete understanding and adhere to the plant Good Manufacturing policies in the Powerhouse, equipment and production areas.
• Utilizes proper materials during repair or construction to provide safe, durable and reliable system and equipment operation.
• Operates the ammonia refrigeration, high pressure steam generation, compressed air, house vacuum, soft, hot and cold water, HVAC and chill roll systems for provision of quality product manufacturing.
• Operates and repairs the extremely hazardous ammonia refrigeration systems in accordance with the OSHA Process Safety Management Regulations to provide reliable, efficient and safe operation.
• Operates and repairs the high pressure, steam generating boilers and system in accordance with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Regulations and the Boiler Operating Engineer’s Licensing requirements, to provide reliable, efficient and safe operation.
• Notifies the Maintenance Supervisor, Quality Control personnel or Business Unit Manager, on duty, when refrigeration, steam, compressed air, vacuums, HVAC or water are deviating from their normal standards, so as to prevent manufacturing of contaminated product.
• Tests, inspects, performs P.M.s and operates the ammonia refrigeration systems and other equipment, within responsibilities, with alertness and professionalism, so as to prevent catastrophic failures from occurring.
• Directly involved with all aspects of the OSHA mandated Process Safety Management program. Including, but not limited to; training, participation, process hazard analysis, mechanical integrity and operating procedures.
• In event of an emergency, provides emergency response services, by being capable of using SCBA, gas mask and other personal protective equipment following all safe procedures mandated by the OSHA HAZWOPER program.
• Takes all necessary precautions, as responsible person, in handling of the numerous chemicals associated with the areas of responsibility.
• Attends all mandatory, plant, safety training meetings and conducts safety meetings as directed.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED preferred.
• This person must be able to work toward obtaining a MN 1st Class B License.
• Seeking individuals who work well with teams, are goal oriented, and enjoy satisfaction in performing a job well done.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently, up to 150 pounds infrequently, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

New Ulm Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.